33 of the best high-end acoustic guitars

Got cash to splash? Here are the guitars for you...

Introduction

Take a look at our pick of the best acoustics in the £1000 plus price range

We've plucked the best guitars we've reviewed over the last four years - plus a few classic models - to show you the very best of what's out there.

After looking at budget and mid-range guitars, here are the the very best of the high end, the guitars that are reserved for those lucky folks who have north of £1000 (or $1,500) burning a hole in their pockets.

All of the guitars in this gallery are either time-proven classics or have been reviewed within the last three years and have gained a minimum of a 4.5 star rating. That means we feel these models' build quality, sound, playability and value for money are not in question at their relative price points.

PrevPage 1 of 34Next PrevPage 1 of 34Next

Patrick James Eggle Parlour

£2840/$4440

Patrick James Eggle is obsessed with guitars. Some 10,000 guitars and 30 years after he built his first one, Eggle is one of the few UK luthiers who enjoys an enviable reputation both at home and overseas.

Based on our initial impressions of the guitar, its sound has a lot to live up to, but we aren't disappointed. Though not having the volume of larger-bodied guitars, this model is highly impressive in terms of its articulation and lucidity.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A visually and tonally stunning work by perhaps the UK's best acoustic guitar maker."

MusicRadar's verdict:

Martin 000-15M

£1,250/$1995 (approx.)

The 000 has a bold speaking voice that punches single notes or plucked chords to the front

We don't recall any acoustic guitars - from any maker and at whatever price point - that have caused the stir that this simple-looking 000-15 and its D-15 sibling have managed. But it's their total, non-frilled fitness for purpose that has galvanised us all into wanting one so much.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"It looks brilliant, plays and sounds amazing and at this price point, its Gold award must be the no-brainer of the century."

Martin OMCPA4

£1359/$2169 (approx.)

In terms of playability, build quality and affordability, Martin has again produced a fantastic electro worthy of inclusion in the PA Series. Acoustically, the OMCPA4 offers something distinct from Martin's familiar and distinguished tone.

Since its launch, the Performing Artist Series has been accused of being too Taylor-like. We'd suggest that with this fourth generation member of PA guitars, Martin has produced an electro even more akin to its biggest rivals in both form and tone. Whether that's a good thing is, ultimately, up to you.

MusicRadar's verdict:

Guild D-40 Std

£1,606/$2560 (approx.)

Okay, it lacks a few Traditional Series features, but these are essentially cosmetic and don't detract one iota from them being a great-sounding acoustic, simply yet elegantly styled, and crafted to a very high standard.

The D-40 is a pedigree example of its body style, amply demonstrating that in no way is Guild letting its, er, standards slip. Indeed it's very much the opposite.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Punchy and articulate sound with excellent playability this is everything a great dread should be... apart from no second strap button!"

MusicRadar's verdict:

Gibson J-45 Standard

£1799/$2836

Gibson first produced the Gibson J-45 back in 1942. Originally conceived as a replacement for the earlier Gibson J-35, the J-45 had a list price of $45. Nicknamed by its creators as 'The Workhorse', the J-45 quickly became the flagship of Gibson's acoustic range and to this day it remains its most popular acoustic model.

In terms of its notoriety, reputation and legendary status, the Gibson J-45 sits comfortably alongside Martin's square-shouldered D-28. For nearly 70 years singer-songwriters the world over have relied on the full, strident tone of the J-45.

MusicRadar's verdict:

Larrivée OM-3 Swamp Ash

£1099/$1719 (approx.)

Larrivée may have a lower profile than the USA big boys, but don't for a moment think it's lacking. This guitar is a superb pro-level tool, very well-priced and offering something a little different in terms of the woods.

It is a very special musical instrument that any discerning amateur or professional should be happy to add to their collection.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"This is an exceptionally beautiful acoustic guitar that nails it in looks, sound, feel and playability."

MusicRadar's verdict:

Taylor 814ce

£3023/$4378

There's a lot to evaluate here with the new 814ce: a sea of subtleties, perhaps, that results in really quite a different voice for Taylor's definitive modern cutaway electro-acoustic.

The improvements to the acoustic sound of the guitar, to our ears, broaden its versatility - especially for fingerstyle. It doesn't compromise Taylor's renowned clear voice, but does seem to bolster the midrange and thicken up the highs a little.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A re-evaluation of the guitar that made Taylor's name, with a redesigned electro system. A new benchmark?"

Collings CJ35

£4615/$4680

In order to genuinely appreciate this guitar, you need to take some flattop history lessons, then play a bunch of J-35- and J-45-inspired guitars, including Gibson's own, of course.

What that would conclude is that the quality of build, not to mention the precision and depth of the CJ35's tone are second to none. By no means a vintage clone, it sounds spectacular now, so heaven only knows what it's going to sound like with 25 years of solid playing on it.

MusicRadar's verdict:

Guild Traditional D-55

£2470/$3819

It's a genuine pleasure to hear, see and feel Guild at the top of its game. If this guitar is anything to go by, the latest Traditional models are absolutely up there with the other big American names, offering superb quality craftsmanship and world-class tone.

The D-55 is a potentially serious workhorse that has every likelihood of outlasting and outperforming any one of us as long as we can keep on picking - a sumptuous strummer.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A loud, proud and classy dread offering serious credibility, quality and tone. Just make sure you bond with the flattish neck profile."

Guild Standard F-30

£1966/$2499

The F-30 is Guild's take on the curvier, thinner, orchestra-style instrument beloved of all manner of folkies and fingerstylists for a tone you'll often hear described as anything from "balanced" or "vocal", through to "focused".

There's something just so fundamentally right about the F-30. Absolutely no-nonsense from start to finish, it has an appointments list that puts function over form at every turn, for example the beautifully cut and finished bone nut and saddle, but a lack of excessive decoration.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A superb, pro-grade picker that trades visual niceties for the most important tonal features and build."

Larrivée OM-40

£1249/$1699

This instrument again illustrates just how good a maker Larrivée is.

Faultless build, setup and playability, with a sound that doesn't step too far from the classic American steel-string, but far enough to make you, the player, sit up and take notice. In particular, for recording and perhaps ensemble use, it simply sits and fits very nicely.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"We truly are in the golden age of the acoustic instrument and, yes, there is plenty of choice out there. The thing is that Larrivée, in terms of sounds, build and price, is becoming a very hard act to beat."

MusicRadar's verdict:

Taylor 526ce

£2202/$3198

As one of the world's largest and most consistent makers, when Taylor does something it's usually for a reason. The inclusion here, then, of a mahogany top to its key range might seem a cynical bandwagon-jumping exercise - until you hear one.

Of course, it still sounds, feels and plays like a Taylor. It's hugely reliable, stage ready, and while it might not appeal to vintage-ophiles, for the rest of us they are undoubtedly great playing and sounding, professional working instruments.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"This 'hog beaut is not some retro timepiece; it's a different, punchier-sounding Taylor, fit for full pro duties."

Larrivée OM-03E 'Vintage'

The 'Vintage'-spec OM, of course, is more expensive than the standard model. Larrivée remarks that it's virtually a custom build and that the all-over Sunburst is extremely time-consuming to achieve.

If you think it's over-priced, it's time for a reality check. The OM-03E sounds truly world class - a superb all- rounder and one of the finest 12-fret fingerstyle guitars we've encountered. It looks vintage and sounds it, too.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"An exceptionally beautiful guitar that hits all the right notes in looks, sound, feel and playability."

MusicRadar's verdict:

Lowden 32SE Stage Edition

£3440/$5935

The 32SE is quite simply one of the best-suited stage electros we've encountered.

It doesn't want to be pigeonholed stylistically, and either acoustically or amplified seems able to suit a broad range of styles. It feels, too, like a very comfortable pair of shoes - all the rough edges are worn away.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A superb instrument, built for the stage, but with an endearing acoustic voice. If you're a performing musician, you must try one."

MusicRadar's verdict:

Martin Retro Series D-18E

£2149/$3399

Acoustically, the Retro D-18E offers a clean, bright, crisp tone with lots of power and projection. It's a mid-heavy sound that's sensitive to dynamic variations.

Without an original Golden Era guitar to hand, we can't make an accurate judgement on how closely the F1 Aura Plus replicates that museum piece. We can, however, confirm that this guitar is an exceptional electro.

MusicRadar's verdict:

Taylor 712ce

£2969/$3778

Taylor, despite building guitars since 1974, is still seen as the very modern opposite to Martin's oh-so-vintage style. That perception will probably never change, but this year's Taylor line features the overhauled 700 Series that, "with their vintage sunburst tops and ivoroid heritage fretboard inlays conjure a distinctively old-school Americana vibe".

The steel-string 712ce is one of those dream all-rounders that feels, sounds and plays superbly. Factor in the very cool visual aesthetic, effortless playability and what is a just-about realistic price for a premium USA guitar of this quality, and you have a hugely attractive instrument.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"A superb all-rounder - a guitar that will accompany you from the sofa to the biggest stages effortlessly."

Collings OM1AV

£5364/$8555 (approx.)

The ultimate modern version of genuine vintage tone; flawless build and ultimate playability.

We have bleated on about the 'law of diminishing returns' in reviews of expensive kit for years. But never has the term been so appropriate. For the gigantic extra outlay you get a palpably better sounding guitar, possibly even the best you've ever heard - by maybe 10 percent.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"This OM1AV is the ultimate modern version of genuine vintage tone; flawless build and ultimate playability. Sorry Granny, you've got to go."

Patrick James Eggle Parlour Cuban

£2995/$4775 (approx.)

Conventional wisdom says that a parlour's default sound is boxy and brash. Not so with this all-mahogany Parlour Cuban.

It has an impressively grown-up, open timbre: warm, smooth and, for its body size, richly textured and dynamic, counterpointed by a sweetly sustaining bite in the highs to endow the required presence. Lovely.

MusicRadar's verdict:

Atkin AA AM Special

£1899/$3030 (approx.)

There's a timeless, vintage-like demeanour to this AM Special that greatly impresses and attracts.

It's not a flash instrument but it definitely shines - both literally and metaphorically - where it needs to. It looks and plays the business in AA form, and doubtless will do likewise, whichever Atkin body style takes your fancy.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Puts a fine gloss on the all-mahogany genre, with great style: superb."

Patrick James Eggle Linville

Perusing Mr Eggle’s super-clean internal and external workmanship immediately tells us he fully appreciates and complies with the punishing standards set by today’s finest acoustic makers.

Breathing fresh life into even your most well-worn old party pieces, the Linville runs your repertoire through a magical musical makeover; sympathetically conveying even the most subtle moments of your performance, so everything sounds more focused and emotionally intact.